China, Jordan seek to advance bilateral relations

A senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) says China values its relationship with Jordan and wants to keep its ties with the Mideast nation at a high level.

"We would like to work with Jordan to maintain high-level visits, carry out the consensus reached between leaders, advance all-round substantive cooperation and boost the cooperation featuring equality, mutual benefit and common prosperity," He Guoqiang said Wednesday during a meeting with Prince Ali bin al Hussein.

He, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said China-Jordan relations have made continued progress since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1977, particularly since King Abdullah II ascended the throne in 1999.

In particular, China has become Jordan's second largest trading partner, He said. Chinese official statistics showed that the bilateral trade volume hit about 1.92 billion U.S. dollars in 2008.

Prince Ali, who serves as Jordan's acting king while his brother Abdullah II is on an overseas mission, asked He to convey his and his brother's cordial greetings to President Hu Jintao.

Prince Ali recalled a football match that a Jordanian team played against a Japanese squad in China. Prince Ali said the way that the Chinese audience cheered for Jordan showed a strong friendship between the two peoples.

Prince Ali said he and King Abdullah II are satisfied with bilateral cooperation in various fields. The prince hoped He's visit would promote joint efforts in politics, economy, trade, tourism and sports.

The prince said China plays a positive, crucial role in the Middle East peace process, and Jordan and other Middle East nations regard the country as an impartial and friendly nation.

He left Amman Wednesday afternoon for the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator, the last stop of his tour.

Source: Xinhua